German word

entweder

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈɛntveːdɐ/

Meaning

  • conjunctioneither

Example

Ich nehme entweder den Bus oder den Zug.

I take either the train or the bus.

Illustration for entweder (either)

More examples

Willst du entweder Kaffee oder Tee?

Would you like either coffee or tea?

Core concept

A fork that presents two routes as a deliberate either-or choice.

Common phrases

  • entweder Kaffee oder Tee

    either coffee or tea

  • entweder ja oder nein

    either yes or no

Similar words

oder: Links alternatives when one or both may be selected.
weder ... noch: Shows that neither of two options or conditions applies.
sondern: Introduces a replacement for the preceding negative statement.
sowohl ... als auch: Links two options or conditions that both apply.

Definition in German

Dient zur Gegenüberstellung von zwei Möglichkeiten in der festen Form 'entweder ... oder ...'.

Word origin

Entweder descends from Old High German eddiweder through Middle High German et(e)weder, with its two-choice sense preserved.

Usage tips

  • In entweder ... oder ..., both alternatives normally have the same grammatical role, such as two accusative objects after nehmen.

Opposites

  • weder ... noch ...neither ___ nor ___conjunction

Word lists with this word